UN: World population to top 9.7 billion in 2050, 11.2 billion in 2100

The current human population on Earth is 7.3 billion today, and will rise to 9.7 billion in 2050, and 11.2 billion by the year 2100, according to the United Nations (UN) Population Division.

Africa is expected to see another surge in population figures, with a current population of 1.2 billion up to 5.6 billion. Asia, which has 4.4 billion and is the most populous continent, is estimated to peak at 5.3 billion by 2050, and then decline back down to 4.9 billion by 2100.

Here in the United States, where the population is around 322 million, we're going to add 1.5 million people per year until we reach 450 million by 2100.

Of course, the continued rise in global population has plenty of harmful long-term implications for all of us: Increase in pollution, stretch resources, drive unemployment, poverty and other issues. Countries such as China, India and Brazil, where the population is relatively young, could face a growing aging population - and must prepare by making sure Social Security, health care, pensions, and other programs are prepared.